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BOSTON (CBS/AP) — City voters took a major step toward ushering in a new political era Tuesday, but not many appeared interested early on. Twelve candidates hoping to succeed longtime Mayor Thomas Menino were on the ballot in Tuesday’s preliminary election, with only the top two vote-getters moving on to compete in the Nov. 5 final.

Menino announced earlier this year that he would retire after more than 20 years in office. The city’s longest-serving mayor has battled a series of health problems in recent years. He voted Tuesday morning but would not say whom he chose.

The polls opened at 7 a.m. and closed at 8 p.m. The city says that 113,222 votes were cast in the primary. That’s 30% of the city’s 368,000 registered voters.

Voters were choosing between 11 men and one woman. The hopefuls included City Councilor Felix Arroyo; former school committee member John Barros; radio station owner Charles Clemons; Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley; City Councilor John Connolly; City Councilor Robert Consalvo; former state Rep. Charlotte Golar Richie; City Councilor Michael Ross; community organizer Bill Walczak; state Rep. Martin Walsh; former schoolteacher David Wyatt; and City Councilor Charles Yancey.

Ballots were printed in English and Spanish at all city precincts, and elections officials say Chinese and Vietnamese language ballots are also available in certain precincts, with interpreters also on hand to assist voters.

In addition to the mayoral race, 19 candidates are vying for four at-large city council seats, with the top eight advancing to November’s contest.